NATCHEZ — With the flip of the calendar, Samantha Morris is giving her annual New Year’s resolution one more try.

“I’m going to finally lose that 20 extra pounds I’ve had for 10 years,” she said. “But, of course, I’ve said that every year for about 10 years.”

Morris said after the busy eating season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, she feels like her body needs a little break from food.

“I don’t think I’ve felt hungry since Thanksgiving,” she said. “I’m just going to try not to eat as much next year and finally shake these extra pounds.”

Morris also said she was going to resist the temptation of grabbing a quick bite from a fast food restaurant, cook more vegetables and start walking with a couple of friends.

“I’d like to join a gym because all the equipment would be handy, but I’ve got to stick with this plan a little while before I’ll commit to a gym membership,” she said.

Morris isn’t alone in her hope to be a better version of herself in 2011.

Talicka Bonds, 16, said her New Year’s resolution will get started a few days after the actual holiday. Bonds is resolving to make better grades to finish out her junior year of high school and start good study habits for her senior year.

“My mom says studying more should be my resolution, so I guess that will be it,” she said.

Bonds said she made Bs and Cs on her recent report card, but would like to get rid of the Cs and have As and Bs for coming semester.

Her plan, formulated by herself and her mother, is to study at least one hour after school each day before doing any other activities like texting, watching TV or hanging out with friends. Bonds also said she wants to read more books, and not just the ones assigned in her school classes.

“I think reading will help me focus more in school,” she said.

She believes she has a fool-proof plan and a good enforcer of the plan that will make her successful.

“If I don’t do it, my mom will be on me,” she said. “Its easier just to do it.”

While Bonds and Morris are hoping to cultivate better habits this year, at least one local person is staying away from the pull to make a New Year’s resolution.

Jack Wortham said he is not making a resolution this year because he’s never been able to follow through in the past.

“I think resolutions are just something people like to say they are doing,” he said. “I don’t think I ever had any intentions to actually do what I said I was going to do, so this year I’m saying nothing.”

Morris said she’s made the same resolution for several years, but doesn’t let lack of success discourage her.

“You never know, this could be the year,” she laughed. “It is all about getting rid of all the distractions and making time to eat better and exercise.”